I’ve been using a Gerber for the past several years but struggle getting it sharp, grated I’m not the best knife sharpener in the woods. What brands of knives are easy to sharpen? I like the idea of the Havalon but hear the blades break easily.

09-23-2013, 06:19 PM

sjsmallfield

All I pack anymore is a Havalon and a Kershaw gut hook. If you are concerned about the weak blades you should look into one of their new models that have a thicker blade. For me I've never had a problem with breaking a blade but I do know a few people that have. As long as you don't try to use the blade on the Havalon for prying I don't think you will have any problems. Good luck!

09-23-2013, 07:33 PM

Musket Man

I have a KA-BAR skinning knife that has done all my skinning for over 10 years. It sharpens pretty easy and holds an edge well too. It will stay sharp longer then my cousins $100+ knives of alaska skinner and I think it cost about $35 when I bought it.

09-23-2013, 07:38 PM

NVbowhnter

I use benchmade's. They have awesome craftsmanship, and their steel is awesom! I have gutted a deer and have not had to sharpen it! I sharpen it once a season.

09-23-2013, 07:59 PM

nvarcher

Go to the Havalon, great to always have an extremely sharp blade in seconds. All we use is that and a Gerber bone saw...

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09-23-2013, 08:47 PM

Ikeepitcold

I use Blade Tech. They hold a blade very well and not to tough to sharpen. I have a Havalon and don't care for it much. It works great for face capeing.

09-23-2013, 09:35 PM

Old Hunter

I've used a Buck 110 since the 70's. I can't even remember what I used before that.

I've been thinking of buying the new Outdoor Edge Swingblade. The new one has changeable blades like the Havalon, except they're thick and shouldn't break..

09-24-2013, 12:31 AM

Drhorsepower

Havalon believer here as well. One knife and 8 extra blades weighs in around 3 oz. or so. Way lighter( and sharper) than any other knife/knife sharpener I used to carry.

You can cape, quarter, and debone a deer with 3-4 blades.

09-24-2013, 09:17 AM

hardstalk

Ive done several animals with the havalon this season. Every person who viewed the "clean up" had to have one! I carry mine as a pocket knife daily. The blades are not as weak as you imagine once you get a feel for them there actually pretty handy as far as malleable. Last year I carried a damascus blade knife and it was shaving hair on my arm before my kill. I assumed it was plenty sharp and did not take a sharpener. By the end of the job I was using rocks to break bone. Ill never use something other than a havalon. There great.